Question 46

Is It Too Late To Start HRT / Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Dr N,

I HAVE ALREADY GONE THROUGH MENOPAUSE. I OPT NOT TO TAKE HORMONES BECAUSE OF BREAST CANCER RISKS AND FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER. I'M WONDERING NOW IF MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN REPLACEMENT HORMONES IS IT TO LATE TO START? I HAVE A PRESCRIPTION FOR A COMBIPATCH MY GYN. ORDERED SHOULD I USE THIS?

Reply:

Hi,

I think for most women, HRT enhances quality of life and increases longevity. You may experience some breast tenderness for a month or 2, as your breast tissue regenerates and this is to be expected if you have been without HRT for a while. I don't think that it is too late for you to start HRT and if your Dr thinks it is reasonable, I would go ahead.

If you find that the Combipatch does not suit you, you can switch to another kind of HRT.

Dr N